Crispy Baked Chicken Wings with Spicy Seasoning Blend
These crispy baked chicken wings are seasoned with a flavorful spice blend featuring cayenne pepper, paprika, and aromatic herbs. The wings are air-dried in the refrigerator before baking to ensure extra-crispy skin, then coated with olive oil and a homemade spice mixture. Perfect for game day, casual dinners, or as an appetizer for entertaining. The combination of savory herbs, sweet brown sugar, and a kick of heat creates wings that are both complex and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds whole chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- 1
Lay the wings out on a sheet pan and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour
- 2
Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- 3
Mix together all spices and seasonings except the wings and oil in a bowl
- 4
Remove chicken from refrigerator and brush or rub all over with oil, using more if needed
- 5
Rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the wings
- 6
Bake on a baking sheet for 35 to 40 minutes without turning until skin is crispy and golden brown
Tips
Air-drying wings in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps remove surface moisture for crispier skin.
Use more olive oil if needed to ensure all wing surfaces are well-coated for even browning.
No need to flip the wings during baking - the high heat will crisp both sides effectively.
Good to Know
Store cooked wings in refrigerator for up to 3 days in covered container
Wings can be seasoned up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
Serve hot immediately after baking for best texture and flavor
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the refrigerator drying time to avoid soggy skin
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure proper air circulation
Don't open oven door frequently to maintain consistent high heat for crisping
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat very dry before seasoning. Frozen wings will release more moisture and may not crisp as well.
How long will these wings keep in the refrigerator?
Cooked wings will keep for up to 3 days when stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Can I make these wings less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and add more paprika or brown sugar to balance the flavors without the heat.